When the 2026 Winter Olympics take place in Italy from February 6 to 22, 2026, hospitality planners will be managing one of the most complex Winter Games environments in recent history. Events are split between Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and a network of alpine venues spread across northern Italy.
For sponsors, executives, hosted guests, and media teams, transportation planning is an operational priority. Distances between venues are significant, winter conditions are unpredictable, and local infrastructure varies by region. Successful programs are built around advance planning and coordinated execution across multiple locations.
Global Luxury Ride supports hospitality planners by coordinating VIP chauffeur service through a vetted network of professional local affiliates in Italy. We do not operate vehicles directly. Instead, we manage the planning, scheduling, and regional coordination so agencies and planners have one point of contact while relying on drivers with local, on-the-ground knowledge.
Olympic Geography and Planning Considerations
Milano-Cortina 2026 is the first Winter Olympics hosted jointly by two cities. That structure affects every transportation decision.
Key competition locations include:
- Milan for the Opening Ceremony and indoor ice events
- Cortina d’Ampezzo for sliding sports, alpine skiing, and curling
- Bormio and Livigno for alpine skiing, snowboard, and freestyle events
- Tesero and Predazzo for Nordic disciplines
- Anterselva for biathlon
- Verona for the Closing Ceremony and Paralympic Opening Ceremony
Transfers between these locations often require several hours of travel on mountain roads. Hospitality planners should account for buffer time, weather variability, and staggered arrivals when building guest itineraries.
Airport Strategy for Olympic Arrivals
Most international and VIP arrivals will enter Italy through:
- Milan Malpensa (MXP)
- Milan Linate (LIN)
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
- Verona Villafranca (VRN)
Some guests will travel directly to alpine destinations, while others will base in Milan and attend select events in the mountains. Coordinated airport transportation helps manage arrival peaks, align with hotel check-ins, and reduce pressure on local vehicle availability during high-demand periods.
Through its affiliate network, Global Luxury Ride coordinates airport pickups, long-distance transfers, and scheduled departures aligned with flight schedules and hospitality timelines.
How Chauffeured Transportation Supports Hospitality Programs
During the Olympics, public transportation between alpine towns can be limited and affected by weather. Rental vehicles introduce challenges related to winter driving, parking controls, and local regulations.
Professionally coordinated chauffeur service supports hospitality teams by providing:
- Local drivers familiar with alpine routes and winter conditions
- Pre-assigned chauffeurs to maintain continuity for VIP guests
- Hourly, daily, and multi-day service options
- Sedans, SUVs, and executive vans suited for VIPs and small groups
- Centralized coordination across all Olympic regions
This approach reduces the need to manage multiple vendors and creates consistency across the guest experience.
Pro Tip for Hospitality Planners
Many delegations choose to base guests in Milan, where hotel inventory and dining options are broader, and travel to alpine venues only on event days. Assigning an hourly chauffeur for the full day allows planners to adapt quickly when events run long or weather impacts travel times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olympic Transportation Planning
Can VIP transportation be coordinated across multiple Olympic cities?
Yes. Transportation can be arranged across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, Tesero, Predazzo, and Anterselva through local affiliates.
Which airports are best for 2026 Winter Olympics arrivals?
Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice Marco Polo, and Verona Villafranca are the primary arrival airports.
Is VIP transportation available for sponsors and media teams?
Yes. Executive vehicles and vans can be coordinated for sponsors, media, and production teams.
Can chauffeurs be reserved for multiple days or the full Games?
Yes. Multi-day and full-event chauffeur service is available for Olympic travel programs.
When should hospitality planners book Olympic transportation?
Planning should begin as early as possible due to limited vehicle availability during the Games.
Planning Ahead for Milano-Cortina 2026
The scale and geography of the 2026 Winter Olympics require transportation planning that extends beyond simple transfers. Early coordination helps protect schedules, manage guest expectations, and reduce operational risk during the Games.
Global Luxury Ride works with hospitality planners, agencies, and event teams to coordinate VIP chauffeur service through trusted local affiliates across northern Italy, covering airport arrivals, intercity travel, and multi-day itineraries.
If you are planning VIP travel, executive hosting, or sponsor logistics for Milano-Cortina 2026, contact Global Luxury Ride to begin transportation planning with a dedicated coordination team experienced in complex event programs.